Let’s Stay Connected 

Back then, most people who travel escape from the stress and anxiety and they do just that at full throttle — no gadgets in carry-ons — just some clothes and a camera to capture moments. It’s very simple, right? But the traveling climate has changed since then. People still travel to escape the same things, to find peace of mind, but maintaining connection to the digital world through social media like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok to name a few. 

Now, you see most people, kids and adults alike and even old people, traveling with smartphones at hand connected to power banks, a digital camera hooked around their necks, surfing the internet as they casually strolled around. Every event was digitally immortalized through social media posts. With new features of 24 hour temporary live sharing of facebook and instagram, moments became easier to share in real time.

In addition to that, vlogging has become very popular creating a trend in YouTube and one of the most popular niches in vlogging is travel. Travel vlogs have become so trendy that a lot of people started recording and documenting their travels to share with their followers and subscribers. After all, vlogging is not just a hobby now as it can also be a source of income as well. 

A lot has changed with the advent of technology and the increasing popularity of social media across all age groups. Travelling well these days has also changed in definition. It used to just mean that you have everything you need for your trip but now it also means well-connected to everything. With this, gadgets are continuously being innovated to keep up. 

I, myself, am not much of a fan of gadgets as I prefer to be as disconnected as possible to fully enjoy the travel ( take no offense as we all have different ways of enjoying trips!) but there are just some gadgets you can’t leave without! So here is a list of the top 21 gadgets we have compiled for you.

Top 21 gadgets you should never leave without!

First, let’s talk about the basics.

1) Smartphone

This is of course a very basic need and I highly doubt that you would miss this one but I am still including it on the list as this gadget is very powerful. Smartphones are not just for ready camera moments or staying connected to people or your favorite social media apps. It’s also a good equipment to store in very helpful travel apps like : (1) Maps – which could easily help you locate yourself in case you get lost or locate restaurants and other destinations (2) Translator – if you wind up in a country or region where you don’t speak the same language. (3) Online Messaging – this comes in very handy when you get separated from the group or if you are meeting at a point. It’s also good to equip your smartphone with data access (Some countries provide a sim specific for internet use and it’s convenient to have a double sim slot, if not, that’s fine. You can just remove your sim card and store it.) For vloggers/influencers, smartphones are as important as their cameras as they usually use this alternatively in taking videos. 

2) Power Bank

Since a lot of gadgets are digital, they would consume battery. It would be a bummer to max out your gadgets and not be able to use them especially your phones so this is a handy item. For travels, go for power banks with 2 usb slots and large battery capacity!

3) Wifi Hotspot

This is a great item to use if you are traveling as a group. Instead of buying data services, you can just use this item and it can already connect a lot of devices. Some brands can offer at most 15 connected devices. 

4) Cables for charging purposes.

It’s recommended to bring short ones to prevent entanglement but looped in cable options are also available. It depends upon your need and convenience. 

5) Noise Cancelling Headphones

This is a bit expensive but is definitely a good investment. Resting is easier when you have one of these. But if you can’t afford one, bluetooth headphones or the new bluetooth earphones with good audio quality is good enough for a trip! Some though still opt for the good old classic wired audio items. For this one, it’s also a matter of preference just make sure that you are getting your money’s worth for the item. 

6) Bluetooth Speaker

For your on-the-go party and soundtrip sessions whether you’re on the road or resting at your accommodations! Portable bluetooth speakers are easy to find and just like any audio device, as long as the quality of sound is good, that’s fine!

7) Tablet

A tablet where you can watch videos or movies or read books while passing time. Make sure to pack it into a durable case and screen protector to keep it safe and secure. But tablets nowadays are not limited to those functions. You can actually equip it with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse for laptop functions and you can have a portable laptop on the go! You can also equip it with digital pens for art and other functions. These are very helpful for business people who fly all the time. 

8) Universal Plug Adapter

A universal plug adapter with interchangeable with UK/USA/EU/AUS plugs and is also compatible with international voltage. You should never miss this item because it will prove to be a very needed item in all of your travels. 

9) Port USB wall charger

A port USB wall charger will come in very handy in accommodations where there are only a few outlets. USB port charging also provides fast-charging in devices so you don’t need as much time to keep all your devices fully charged before you set out for the next day. An alternative to this is to bring an extension cord although this will take up more space. 

10) Car Charger and Adapter

Car Charger and Adapter – if you’re going through your adventure with a rental car, this item should definitely be on your list to make your life easier.  You can charge your devices on the road. 

11) Digital Pouch

There are a lot of bags for different functions and it’s good to have one for your devices (storage for power banks, cables, etc.). This is to avoid missing your items as they are placed in one storage space. 

For influencers and photographers, they add in a few more digital equipment to the basic list.

12) Camera

Vloggers usually use compact cameras as they are smaller and easier to carry around and film on-the-go. Photographers and top vloggers (those who have crews with them) usually use DSLR cameras. Aside from that, photographers also carry with them extra camera equipment like different lenses. They usually have a separate camera bag to make sure that their equipment is safe and secure.

It’s also good to be prepared with extra memory cards for your travels. We don’t want to miss out on all the fun shoots we can have just because the memory drive is maxed out. In addition to this, some vloggers up the quality of their videos by purchasing drones which gives a good overhead and wide shots, perfect for travel vlogs!

13) GoPro

This one is popular for water adventure content and travel vloggers also bring this one aside from their usual filming cameras

14) Laptop for editing

for photographers and content creators (and businessmen as well), this is a must have for travels so that they can easily transfer files and do some edits on the go. 

15) External Hard Drive

This is also considered very important as these hard drives can store a lot of files. Most use this to store video footages instead of directly transferring files into the laptop. Flash drives can also be used as an alternative. Most accommodations now have Smart TVs and EHDs can also be enjoyed by loading it with movies you can watch with friends and family during the trip. 

16) Handheld smartphone gimbal 

Handheld smartphone gimbal – vloggers usually use this equipment to take stable video footages of their trip. But vlogger or not, this is still a good purchase as this adds extra fun in the vacation. 

17) Batteries

Bring extra for your cameras. Make sure that they are fully charged before heading out.

There are other items that you might want to add into your now long list of digital paraphernalia.

18) Travel Jacket

Travel jacket — these are leveled up jackets with detachable gloves and built in inflatable neck pillow! It also has a lot of pockets for your items and hugs tight to the body making it secure.

19) Portable coffee maker

Portable coffee maker for your espresso needs on-the-go. This one’s optional but coffee is good anytime, anywhere… so why not?

20) Ultralight Water Purifier

Ultralight water purifier is a water bottle equipped with an ultraviolet light that transforms any tap or natural clear water into drinkable water. Talk about smart!

21) Dry Sac

Dry Sac – alternative to laptop bags or camera bags, this is a waterproof secure bag where you can safely stash all your equipment!

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Before you head out on your next trip (whenever that may be), amp up your experience with these gadgets. But the experience never really fails even without these! Take a good balance of everything, not every moment or scenery needs to be captured with a smartphone or a camera. Sometimes, it’s just appreciating these moments with your own eyes with your family and loved ones.